Publish Date: June 22nd, 2026
Jim and Edie are early solar adopters, going solar with Namaste Solar in 2016. In this spotlight, Jim chats about his experience going solar, and what it has been like to be a long-term solar adopter. Jim also serves on the board of directors for Eco-Cycle, a local nonprofit spreading zero-waste solutions in Boulder County and beyond. Namaste Solar is the exclusive solar sponsor to Eco-Cycle and proud to support their efforts.
What inspired you to start thinking about solar?
It was because of climate action. Our previous house in North Boulder was flooded in 2013 when we got a year’s worth of rain in one week. And that’s what really got me aware of and motivated to be involved in climate action. So, I joined the Citizen’s Climate lobby. I’m still a member of that and a couple other environmental groups, even after I’ve retired.
We moved to this house right after that event and got solar in 2016. While the main motivation was to address the climate, the secondary benefits were attractive including reduced electricity rates.
What was your decision-making process like for going solar and choosing Namaste Solar?
Well, I wanted a local company. We lived very close to you all, so I’d seen your trucks. And the local part was important if we needed service down the line. Frankly, I’m glad I did because earlier this year I noticed that our inverters were broken, and you were able to come out and get all those things fixed and service it really quickly and without even us being at home. So, having a local partner who could provide follow-on service as needed, that was important to us.
How has solar financially impacted you?
Well, initially, right after we bought it, for a good long time, it was really amazing because I was getting a check back from Xcel every month. We have since electrified a lot more of our home. So, now we’re paying. We’ve added a heat pump water heater, two heat pumps, and 2 EVs. So, our electric usage has gone way up.
And even now I try to maximize our use of electricity during the day rather than sending that excess power back to Xcel. I want to use it as much as possible. So, we run our dishwasher during the middle of the day, I charge during the middle of the day. All those kind of things to make sure I’m using the power we generate rather than sending it back to the grid.
What was your experience like working with us?
Seamless. I had no issues at all. In fact, during the repair, we weren’t even at home. I made a phone call, you answered the phone, you sent somebody out, and you serviced it. When you came out, you noticed that some of the animal guards around the side had also broken down. And so, I had your team repair those to make sure that critters can’t co-locate up there. You all identified that issue because I haven’t climbed up on that roof ever. The service was great – prompt and professional.
I’d love to hear your perspective since you’re a long-term solar adopter. How has it been being insulated from the rising cost of electricity?
I’m glad we did it when we did it. As far as being insulated from the rising cost of electricity, that’s just critical. I feel insulated from the price of gas because we drive EVs, which has gone up even faster. And generating my own power to drive my EVs and more means that I’ve taken as much of that control as I can into my own hands, which feels good.
Environmental action does start from where you are. Is there anything you want to speak to within that concept?
Yeah, think globally, act locally, right? And support our local economy, especially in an era when there’s a tendency to buy so many things over the internet. It’s great to know that you’ve got a local employer and solar installer with solid values who’s right in your backyard who will be around for the long haul to take care of whatever issues arise.
Does it feel awesome to know that you’re driving around powered by solar?
I just drove from Florida to Colorado 2 weeks ago with our EV. I’ve done that trip multiple times. I’ve driven to Arizona back and forth multiple times. It’s just not even an issue. People have that range anxiety and having now done the trip multiple times, it’s just not even a factor. Usually, I have to go to the bathroom long before the car needs more electricity. And when you fill up, it’s like 10 bucks instead of 60 or 80 to fill up your tank.
If you were recommending someone explore the benefits of solar in three sentences, what would you say?
It’s a great way to lower your electric bills and serve the climate at the same time. No other sentences needed!
I’d love to chat a bit about your work at Eco-Cycle and Eco-Cycle’s partnership with Namaste Solar. What can you tell me about that partnership?
I think our missions are very much in aligned. Eco-Cycle, of course, is all about reducing waste and creating a zero-waste environment, also to serve the climate and to better utilize our resources. Namaste Solar’s mission to electrify our homes and leverage solar power to do so are totally in alignment. The fact that you’re employee owned is aligned, too. The way you run your company is consistent with the values that we have as a nonprofit. I think it’s a great partnership.
We totally agree with the feeling that the work we do aligns, so it’s exciting to be working with you in this way.
We have trucks going out in the neighborhoods picking up waste. And so, having the Namaste Solar logo on our trucks will further your brand and show how you’re committed to supporting the great nonprofits, like Eco-Cycle, in our community. You’re showing homeowners that by supporting Namaste solar, you’re supporting local rather than one of the big national chains.
You’ve spoken about how green habits snowball into an environmentally friendly life. There is a lot of power in the choices that we make. How have you seen this play out in your life with Namaste Solar and Eco-Cycle?
People move to Boulder because of how beautiful it is, how clean our air is, how great the hiking trails are, and the values of the community. Both Namaste Solar and Eco-Cycle reflect those values.
